Five new wildfires have ignited across southern California, coinciding with President Trump's upcoming visit amid ongoing concerns about the state's wildfire management.
New Fires Erupt in Southern California Ahead of Trump's Visit
New Fires Erupt in Southern California Ahead of Trump's Visit
Multiple wildfires raise concerns as President Trump prepares for a California trip to inspect damage.
Fire crews are engaged in an intense battle against several new wildfires that have erupted across southern California, just ahead of President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to the state. The fires, designated as Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2, began flaring up on Thursday and are burning in areas including Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties.
In the midst of these new outbreaks, firefighters are making headway in reducing the spread of the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has expanded to 10,000 acres and is currently 36% contained after starting on Wednesday. The situation remains critical as California has faced devastating wildfires over the past few weeks, with the Palisades and Eaton fires collectively destroying more than 37,000 acres and resulting in at least 28 fatalities.
Recent updates from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) provide the following information regarding the newly ignited fires: the Border 2 fire in San Diego has consumed 800 acres and evacuation orders are in effect; the Laguna fire near Ventura has burned 94 acres but is 70% contained; the Sepulveda fire, which has affected 45 acres, is currently 60% contained with lifted evacuation orders; the Gibbel Fire in Riverside County has spread over 15 acres but is now at a standstill; and finally, the Gilman Fire in San Diego has burned two acres with progress halted.
As Trump prepares to tour Los Angeles to evaluate the wildfire impact, he has publicly criticized California's handling of the situation, specifically its water management policies. He has previously threatened to withhold federal assistance unless the state alters its management of resources, particularly in relation to its handling of water supplies which he claims are misallocated to protect small fish species, such as the smelt.
In light of these developments, Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, voiced concerns over the potential withholding of federal aid. He expressed that federal disaster assistance should not be contingent on compliance with political objectives, stating, "the most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes.”
The Hughes fire, which has become the third largest blaze in California after the Palisades and Eaton fires, has already resulted in substantial evacuations. However, firefighters have reported progress in containing this destructive blaze. Meanwhile, the US National Weather Service has indicated that dry conditions and increased wildfire risks will continue in southern California before anticipated rainfall over the weekend could provide some relief to affected regions.
In the midst of these new outbreaks, firefighters are making headway in reducing the spread of the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has expanded to 10,000 acres and is currently 36% contained after starting on Wednesday. The situation remains critical as California has faced devastating wildfires over the past few weeks, with the Palisades and Eaton fires collectively destroying more than 37,000 acres and resulting in at least 28 fatalities.
Recent updates from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) provide the following information regarding the newly ignited fires: the Border 2 fire in San Diego has consumed 800 acres and evacuation orders are in effect; the Laguna fire near Ventura has burned 94 acres but is 70% contained; the Sepulveda fire, which has affected 45 acres, is currently 60% contained with lifted evacuation orders; the Gibbel Fire in Riverside County has spread over 15 acres but is now at a standstill; and finally, the Gilman Fire in San Diego has burned two acres with progress halted.
As Trump prepares to tour Los Angeles to evaluate the wildfire impact, he has publicly criticized California's handling of the situation, specifically its water management policies. He has previously threatened to withhold federal assistance unless the state alters its management of resources, particularly in relation to its handling of water supplies which he claims are misallocated to protect small fish species, such as the smelt.
In light of these developments, Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, voiced concerns over the potential withholding of federal aid. He expressed that federal disaster assistance should not be contingent on compliance with political objectives, stating, "the most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes.”
The Hughes fire, which has become the third largest blaze in California after the Palisades and Eaton fires, has already resulted in substantial evacuations. However, firefighters have reported progress in containing this destructive blaze. Meanwhile, the US National Weather Service has indicated that dry conditions and increased wildfire risks will continue in southern California before anticipated rainfall over the weekend could provide some relief to affected regions.
